Do you recognise heartless distraction burglar who targeted elderly woman?

A woman aged in her 80s was targeted by a distraciton burglar who snatched cash from her home.

Police have released this e-fit in a bid to track down the crook who struck last Wednesday between 6pm and 6.15pm, when he pretended there was a water supply emergency to gain access into the property in Abbots Road, Abbots Langley.

He asked the woman to turn on the taps in the kitchen and check under the sink so that he could search the house.

Det Sgt Pete Hankins said: “This man has clearly targeted this victim because of her age and preyed on her good nature.

“I’d urge anyone who may recognise this face or the description of the man given, to contact police immediately.”

The burglar is described by police as white, around 5ft 8ins tall and with a heavy build. He is thought to be aged between 40 and 45, with dark brown cropped hair and was wearing a dirty white or light grey T-shirt.

Det Sgt Pete Hankins said: “I’d urge people never to open the door to anyone they are not expecting. Never let anyone in unless they have a pre-arranged appointment, and if there was an emergency it is unlikely that the water company will need access to a person’s property.”

Anyone with information about this man is asked to call Herts Police via the non emergency number 101 quoting crime reference C2/14/1750.